David Hale honored as UAF Business Leader of the Year

Published: April 19, 2013

David Hale

PHOTO: Courtesy of UAF

The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management will honor David Hale as the 37th business leader of the year during a sold-out dinner and award ceremony April 19 at the Westmark Hotel Gold Room.

Hale moved to Fairbanks in 1977, graduated from North Pole High School in 1983 and was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 375 until 1986. He changed careers, joining an insurance company that would later become Willis of Alaska. Hale advanced to president/CEO and in 2007, when the company left Alaska, he formed Hale & Associates.

“I’m overwhelmed and honored to be chosen,” Hale said. “Looking at names of the past recipients, you realize these are true leaders of our community and I am humbled to be listed among them.

Family is an integral part of David’s life. He and his wife, Laurel, have two children: Brittany, who earned an accounting degree and is pursuing a master's degree, and Michael, who is a senior at Monroe Catholic High School and plays varsity basketball. The family spends time at their cabin on the Clearwater.

David is active in the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce and various trade associations. He gives both his time and money to youth organizations. He helped finance the North Pole High School gymnasium floor and scoreboard, and is involved with youth activities at the Elks Lodge. In 2012, David received the Friends of Education Award from the Fairbanks Education Association. Professionally, David is involved with the State Insurance Association, serving twice as president. He is currently the national director for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.

David encourages his employees to be engaged in the community. The employees of Hale & Associates raise money for KUAC’s fundraiser and volunteer for the Breast Cancer Detection Center’s Gala Affair and at the Catholic School of Fairbanks’ annual HIPOW event.